Drive Time
Gridlock continues to plague motorists along Punchbowl

By Scott Ishikawa
Advertiser Transportation Writer

Just when you thought it was safe to get back onto Punchbowl Street ...

Many motorists who use Punchbowl called to say they were ecstatic when construction was completed last month on the stretch of road mauka of Vineyard that connects with H-1.

The project created a second mauka-bound lane to allow more traffic to get through the intersection of Punchbowl Street and Vineyard Boulevard.

But while traffic seems to run much smoother with the new lane design, the city's continuation of roadwork on Punchbowl from Vineyard to Beretania means gridlock as usual.

"I thought the traffic headaches were done with," Lance Kimura of Kailua wrote after encountering a sea of traffic cones last week. "PLEASE tell me when this work will be finished!"

Rod Haraga of KFC Engineering Management Inc., which is overseeing much of the city's downtown work, said contractor Royal Contracting needs to complete the work by Thanksgiving.

Work includes building a median that will allow emergency left turns into the Queen's Medical Center, as well as left turns from the state Capitol's Miller Street onto Punchbowl Street heading mauka.

Work to pour concrete for new sidewalks have also caused recent lane detours along that section of Punchbowl. Haraga said the sidewalk work should be completed by the end of this week.

As for Punchbowl work between Beretania and King streets, Haraga said all that remains is some permanent lane restriping. Hopefully, they'll put those new stripings in soon, because those temporary lines are getting worn.

More police on highways: Another interesting note is the increased number of officers lately on our freeways and highways during the morning and afternoon rush hours.

Some folks have been asking whether this is a reaction to the Sept. 11 terrorist attack.

Honolulu Police Chief Lee Donohue said the idea for more police presence had been in the works months before the national tragedy.

"We were planning this traffic initiative as a reminder for folks to drive safely," Donohue said.

Donohue said extra officers on the highways will help authorities spot and respond to accidents more quickly.

"The faster we can respond to collisions, the less it may hold up traffic," he said.

Reach Scott Ishikawa at sishikawa@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8070.